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11.13.2016

Valkyrie Friends

I made a vlog about the costume making process for this, but I'm still working out the audio lag issues. For now, I thought it was a good idea to share photos of my Halloween costume. There's only two things I want to mention here; both inspiration for the costume, and inspiration making it. Not surprisingly, because I am surrounded by amazing people, they were both inspired by friends.

Inspiration for the Valkyrie: I've been very into costuming this year, for whatever reason. I've also been studying up on Norse mythology, which came about at a really strange time considering I have been away from my second home of Sweden awhile now. Regardless, the idea to dress as a Valkyrie was thought of when a close friend actually said I reminded him of the mythological creature, and he asked me to (metaphorically) protect him with my shield and courage. He said it in a much more poetic way.

I was so touched by the compliment, and his faith in me as someone who can help and protect. I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately about the 'warrior' aspect of my personality--why it exists, how to utilize it, and when, and its motives. I'm still arriving at conclusions, but I figured that a friendly shield-maiden who watches over her loved ones and stabs who she wants and transports them to Valhalla to await Ragnarök and serve them mead, pretty much sums me up on my best day.

Inspiration for costume making: I've only dabbled in craft foam before, and have zero confidence in my ability to do anything with it. I'm an artist, not a maker of crafts--I try to leave that to the Martha Stewarts and mormon mommies. When the idea entered my head to make something for Halloween, I had no idea the scale it was going to end up at (and the costume isn't even completed yet!) I sketched out some things, tentatively, and was really aiming low on the creation scale, like a circlet with small wings. I showed it to my close friend, who is amazing at making, well, anything.

Any artist can tell you how exciting it is to collaborate with someone who sparks that creativity in you. Well, it doesn't happen to me often (probably my fault for isolating myself and only interacting with an uninterested cat) but when it did, apparently I turn into Level 100 Blacksmith for a day or two. This project kept my mind busy during my 10 day workweek, before I ran off to Tennessee and god knew what. I am so thankful to my friend for inspiring me, keeping me inspired, and teaching me all the tips and tricks and tools of the trade. (and letting me borrow his tools!) It really is a wonderful thing to have such a person in my life. I'm very lucky.

My name's Alex. I'm an EMT in beautiful Utah. I'm also a dual Swedish resident. I have a passion for writing, painting, and speaking my mind. I have PTSD. I play a lot of video games. This is my place for a little bit of everything that I love.